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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Tender pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with a Cajun kick, tossed with seasoned chicken, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion

For the Sauce:

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Season the Chicken:
    • Toss the cooked chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, bell pepper, and onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce:
    • Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
    • Gradually stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until combined.
    • Mix in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine:
    • Add the cooked pasta and seasoned chicken to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Assemble the Bake:
    • Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake:
    • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
  9. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/cajun-cream-cheese-chicken-pasta-bake/